Childfree women in Sweden face persistent stigma despite reporting confidence in their decision not to have children, according to a study from Örebro University.
Researchers documented widespread prejudice against women who choose not to have children
Many interviewees between the ages of 35 and 60 reported hearing hurtful comments such as “You will regret this decision” or being told they would face a lonely old age. One woman was told, “Congratulations on your choice of a lonely old age,” as if it were an inevitable fact. Researchers noted that these remarks reflect a societal assumption that children guarantee care in later life, despite evidence showing many older adults with children still experience loneliness.
Participants described being labeled selfish or emotionally cold for their choice
Beyond warnings about future isolation, women frequently encountered judgments about their character, including accusations of being strange, selfish, or incapable of caring for others. Merve Tunçer, the sociology researcher who led the study, said she was surprised by the volume of negative remarks, given her awareness of the group’s stigmatized status. The comments often framed childlessness as a moral failing rather than a personal life decision.
Most women expressed confidence in their decision and rejected fears of loneliness
Despite the prejudice, the majority of interviewees said they were not particularly worried about becoming alone in old age. Many highlighted their proactive approach to building meaningful relationships outside of parenthood and questioned whether having children truly prevents loneliness. Tunçer emphasized their agency, noting that several women pointed out that loneliness is common even among older people who have children, and that regular contact with offspring does not guarantee companionship in later life.
Sweden’s fertility rate remains at historic lows amid shifting social norms
The total fertility rate in Sweden has hovered around 1.42–1.43 children per woman during 2024 and 2025, marking a historical low. While Tunçer acknowledged that Sweden’s welfare system remains strong but uneven—with elder care quality varying significantly between municipalities—she observed that adult children often still assist in organizing care for aging parents. This persistent family-oriented expectation contributes to the pressure on women who opt out of motherhood, even as they report feeling secure in their life choices.
Why do some people believe childfree women will regret their decision?
This belief stems from a societal view that children are a guarantee of care and companionship in old age, despite research showing many older adults with children still experience loneliness and limited family contact.
How do childfree women in the study respond to accusations of selfishness?
They reject the characterization, emphasizing their intentionality in building close relationships through other means and questioning the assumption that parenthood is the only path to emotional fulfillment or social connection.
